Mikado has 127th celebration

June 23, 2013

MIKADO Local volunteers are preparing for Mikado's 127th birthday on July 13, and have organized 15 activities, including a parade.

The event has been growing since 2011, when the community got together to celebrate the town's 125th birthday, Mikado Township Supervisor Jesus Yruegas said Sunday.

One of the biggest draws is an 1860s-style baseball game, which returns for its third year, Yreugas said. Other groups will offer free activities or hold fundraisers for their organizations, such as the animal shelter and 4H Club.

"I know times are hard, so we try to make it inexpensive for everybody," Yreugas said.

The Alcona County community at the intersection of F-41 and F-30 was founded in 1886 by Canadian logger Daniel Bruce. An entrepreneur, Bruce built a hotel and wanted to name the town Bruce Crossing, after himself, Yruegas said. However, an assistant postmaster notified him that the name was taken by a town in the Upper Peninsula and suggested Mikado, after the popular light opera of 1885 by Gilbert & Sullivan.

The hotel burned down in the 1950s, and the town has dwindled in size. However, today it is home to approximately 935 residents.

The parade's grand marshals are Bill and Vi Bethuy, who served in the US Air Force together during the Korean War, Yreugas said. Other participants include the fire department, ambulance service, Mikado Market, service clubs and lots of children.

Parade participants will line up at Tait Road between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., when the parade starts, he said.

Here are some other activities:

> a craft and flea market at the Mikado Civic Center. Call 736-7721 to request an application form to participate.